Flow trap with compartment separator and baffle for use in a waterless urinal

ABSTRACT

In an urine cartridge, equalized pressures and increased flow rate between its inlet and outlet compartments increases the life of the cartridge. The pressure equalizing is effected by placement of a separator between the two compartments to provide them with substantially equal volumes. The increased flow rate is created by a uniquely configured baffle positioned adjacent a pan at the bottom of the cartridge. The baffle configuration is shaped to provide a constriction that increases the flow velocity of the urine so that the fluid flow effects a channel along the bottom pan and through any solids deposited on the bottom pan. A diverter may be placed above the centrally located entry to the inlet compartment to create a circuitous path for preventing a disturbing impingement of the urine onto the sealant contained in the inlet compartment. To accommodate the centrally placed entry and its placement vis-a-vis the inlet compartment, the separator is bowed at its location adjacent the entry and towards the outlet compartment. To fit the configuration of the baffle, the separator is curved generally in a likewise manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/535,463, filed 9 Jan. 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/579,921, filed 14 Jun. 2004, and is a continuation-in-part of thefollowing provisional and nonprovisional applications: Ser. No.10/647,603 (Docket No. 7148-108A-US), filed 25 Aug. 2003; Ser. No.10/744,708 (Docket No. 7148-111A-US), filed 23 Dec. 2003; applicationSer. No. 60/535,463 (Docket No. 7148-117-PR), filed 9 Jan. 2004; and anyof their predecessor applications.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a flow trap, such as a cartridge usedin waterless urinals having an odor preventing closure mechanism and, inparticular, and to improvements in the internal liquid flow path andsealant integrity of such a cartridge and, additionally, to improvingflow trap life and usability, including the need for the servicing andreplacement of such cartridges.

2. Description of Related Art and Other Considerations

In existing waterless urinals, the life and usability of cartridgesemployed in waterless urinals has been found to be dependent, in part,upon the need for their servicing and replacement when debris and matterare deposited therein. For example, in the cartridges described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,053,197, 6,245,411, 6,644,339 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,xxx,xxx[Ser. No. 09/855,735 (filed 14 May 2001)] and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/143,103 (filed 7 May 2002), as the liquids flow from theinlet compartment to the outlet compartment and thence to an externaldrain, the flow is sufficiently gentle that solid matter contained inthe fluid deposits in the pan of the bottom portion and eventuallybuilds up to block flow from the inner compartment to the outletcompartment. As a consequence, the cartridge needs to be replaced.Further, it has been observed that unequal pressures between the twocompartments create syphoning therebetween and, particularly, ofsyphoning of sealant from the inlet compartment to the outletcompartment, which leads to premature failure and a reduction in theusable life of the cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other problems are successfully addressed and overcome by thepresent invention, along with attendant advantages, by equalizing thepressures and by increasing the flow rate between the inlet and outletcompartments. Such pressure equalizing is effected preferably byestablishing substantially equal volumes in the two compartments and,specifically, by use of a separator. Such increased flow rate iseffected by use of a baffle positioned at the bottom of the cartridgeadjacent the pan, which baffle is so configured as to provide aconstriction that increases the flow velocity of the urine and thus touse the fluid flow to effect a flow path or channel of least resistancethrough any solid matter in the bottom pan and thus to remove or carryaway or displace solids that maybe or have been in the wastewater orurine and thus not deleteriously affect or otherwise substantially deterflow into the outlet compartment. Such action may also otherwise avoidthe build up of deposits on the bottom portion. In addition, it ispreferred to locate the entry to the inlet compartment centrally of thecartridge so that a diverter may be placed above the entry and therebyto create a circuitous path for preventing turbulence or a disturbingimpingement of the urine onto the sealant contained in the inletcompartment. To accommodate the centrally placed entry and its placementvis-a-vis the inlet compartment, the separator is bowed at its locationadjacent the entry and towards the outlet compartment. To fit theconfiguration of the baffle, the separator is curved generally in alikewise manner.

Several advantages are obtained derived from these arrangements. Thelife and usability of the cartridge is extended. Sealant is conserved.Deposits of solid matter within the cartridge are at least minimized. Ofimportance, the fluid flow effects a flow path or channel of leastresistance through any solid matter in the bottom pan.

Other aims and advantages, as well as a more complete understanding ofthe present invention, will appear from the following explanation of anexemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flow trap cartridge usable in awaterless urinal;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the cartridge shown inFIG. 1;

FIGS. 3-6 are, respectively, two side views taken 180° from one another,a top view and a bottom view of the cartridge;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge taken along line 7-7of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge taken along line 8-8of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge taken along line 9-9of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the cartridge taken alongcutaway line 10 of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the bottom portion of thecartridge viewed respectively from its top and bottom sides;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the cartridge bottom portion;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion taken along line14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the cartridge top portiontaken along cutaway line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the cartridge taken alongcutaway line 16 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 17 a cross-sectional enlarged view of the cartridge taken alongcutaway line 17 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a perspective enlarged view of the cartridge taken from itstop side with a portion cutaway to expose its inner structure;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of the top portion of thecartridge taken respectively from its top and bottom;

FIGS. 21-23 respectively are top, side and bottom views of the cartridgetop portion;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge top portion takenalong line 24-24 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge top portion takenalong line 25-25 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge top portion takenalong line 26-26 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the cartridge top portiontaken along cutaway line 27 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the baffle, in the interior of thecartridge, viewed towards its top surface;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the baffle viewed towards its lowersurface;

FIGS. 30-32 respectively are a top view and side views, takenorthogonally with respect to one another, of the baffle;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the baffle taken along line 33-33of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the baffle taken along line 34-34of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the baffle taken alongcutaway line 35 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge, such as depicted inFIGS. 1 et seq., with a first embodiment of urine diverter secured toits top wall;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the diverter illustrated in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a spacing standoff taken along cutawayline 38 of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the diverter shown in FIG. 36 viewingits underside;

FIG. 40 is a side view of a second embodiment of a diverter which isuseful as an alternate to that depicted in FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the diverter shown in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the diverter taken along line 42-42of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is an enlarged view of a spacing standoff taken along cutawayline 43 of FIG. 40; and

FIG. 44 is a perspective of the cartridge, such as depicted in FIG. 36,placed in a urinal for coupling of the cartridge to a drain pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 1-27, a cartridge assembly 100, actingas a flow trap for urine or other generally fluid waste products,comprises a top portion 102 (FIGS. 19-27) and a bottom portion 104(FIGS. 11-15). A fluid 103 with urine therein and an oily sealant 105atop the fluid is contained within the cartridge, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 9.

Top portion 102 has a cylindrical configuration defined by a tubularwall 106 terminated by an opening 108 at its lower end and a top wall110 at its upper end. The top wall is sloped downwardly to a flat,generally horizontal flat center portion 112 in which an entry opening114 is disposed, to act as a urine inlet. As depicted in FIG. 25,opening 114 comprises a tripartite arrangement of three arced slots 114a, 114 b and 114 c. A hole 115 is centrally positioned within centerportion 112. As will be described with respect to FIGS. 36-43, slots 114a, 114 b and 114 c and hole 115 are adapted to hold either of the twodiverters depicted therein to cartridge 100. Top portion 102 is furtherprovided with three keys 116 of which one may be of different lengththan the other two (e.g., see FIG. 2) for purposes of properly placingand orienting cartridge 100 within a urinal, as more fully described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,644,339 (the parent application of above-noted Ser. No.10/647,603).

Top wall 110 is provided with a recess 117 as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 24,26 at its outer periphery to accept a seal, such as O-ring seal 228 (seeFIG.44). Recess 117 has a small dimension sufficient to minimize thetrapping of urine therein.

Top wall 110 of top portion 102 is further provided with three openings118 which act as air vents that communicate with the interior ofcartridge 100. In the event that one or two may become clogged, such asby urine when the urinal is in use, there will be at least one thatremains open. Openings 118 also provide a means by which a tool may beinserted therein for the purpose of inserting and removing the cartridgeinto and from a urinal, as also described in above-noted co-pendingprovisional application No. 60/535,463, now patent application ser. No.______. Accordingly, for purposes of their use as tool engagement means,it is preferred that the outermost two openings be approximatelydiagonally opposed to one another. However, the placement or use ofthese openings may be otherwise designed to accommodate other toolconfigurations.

The interior of top portion 102 is divided by a bowed vertical separator120 into two compartments, respectively an inlet compartment 122 and anoutlet compartment 124. Vertical separator 120 is secured or molded tothe interior surface of tubular wall 106 and to the underside of topwall 110 at a terminus 121 a in any convenient manner. The bottom end ofthe vertical separator terminates in an end or terminus 121 b which isdisposed to be connected to a baffle 150, as will be presently describedfully in FIGS. 28-35. When top and bottom portions 102 and 104 areplaced together and a discharge section 128 (FIGS. 7,8 and 11-14) ofbottom portion 104 extends into outlet compartment 124, inletcompartment 122 and outlet compartment 124 have generally equal volumes.It is important that the compartment volumes be made as equal aspossible to ensure that the pressures on both sides of verticalseparator 120 remain equal during use of the cartridge. Such pressureequality helps to minimize syphoning or, alternatively, to maximizeresistance to syphoning between the compartments and, of particularimportance, of sealant 105 from the inlet compartment to the outletcompartment. Thus, the usable life of the cartridge is improved byavoiding premature failure thereof. Additionally, any impediment toliquid flow in minimized.

Vertical separator 120 is bowed, e.g., curved or bent, to accommodatecentrally positioned entry opening 114 which needs to fully communicatewith inlet compartment 122. The illustrated curved bowing of thevertical separator further enables air vent openings 118 also tocommunicate with the inlet compartment, as best seen in FIGS. 23 and 25.It is to be understood, however, that the vertical separator need not becurved as illustrated; it may take any configuration that will effectits purpose, that is, to provide equally volumed compartments and tooblige the communications of openings 114 with the inlet compartment.Therefore, for example, if the air vent openings were not used as ameans to cooperate with a cartridge inserting and removing tool, asabove described, and/or entry opening 114 were not centrally positionedin top wall 110, or for any other reason apart from its compartmentvolume-defining purpose, vertical separator 120 may be otherwiseconfigured.

Bottom portion 104, as depicted in FIGS. 11-15, comprises a pan 126 anda discharge section 128 extending upwardly therefrom. The upper surfaceof pan 126 defines a bottom wall 127 of cartridge 100; bottom wall 127may be likened as being the mate to top wall 110. The pan includes awall 130 terminating at an edge 132 which provides a tongue-in-grooveengagement with tubular wall 106 at its lower end opening 108, as bestseen in FIG. 17 to provide a fluid-tight engagement between top andbottom portions 102 and 104. The inner surfaces of pan 126 are roundedto prevent sharp angled corners and are smoothed to enhance fluid flowand to discourage build up of matter and bacteria or other debris.

Upwardly extending discharge section 128, which as described aboveextends into outlet compartment 124 of top portion 102, includes a tube134 (as best seen in FIGS. 11 and 14) that communicates with outletcompartment 104 and opens at an exit port area 136 through pan 126 fordischarge of fluids, e.g., fluid 103, and other undesired matter fromthe outlet compartment to a drain 220. The discharge section alsoincludes a pair of tubular chambers 138 for receipt of post-treatmentchemicals for treating the exiting urine, as contained in control stick224 or pellets, as more fully described in copending application Ser.No. ______ (provisional application No. 60/579,921). Chambers 138 areclosed at walls 140 (see FIG. 11) at one of their ends at the uppermostpart of upwardly extending discharge section 128 to prevent flow offluids thereinto from the outlet compartment, and are open at theirother ends 142 (see FIG. 14).

A flow director 144 in tube 134 adjacent exit port area 136 comprises anangled part which is adapted to direct fluid flow towards ends 142 oftubular chambers 138 for impacting control stick 224, as presentlydescribed. A pair of longitudinally extending ribs 145 (see FIG. 11) areformed in and extend along the length of conduit 134 and terminateadjacent to tubular chamber ends 142 and act further as a flow directoralso to direct fluid flow towards ends 142.

A key 146 and a keyway 148 are provided respectively on the interiorsurface of tubular wall 106 (see FIGS. 23, 25 and 26) and on thebackside of upwardly extending discharge section 128 (see FIGS. 13 and14). The key and keyway are disposed to provide an orientation andproper alignment between top and bottom portions 102 and 104 and,through the orienting mechanism of keys 116 with the urinal, to placeexit port area 136 adjacent exterior drain 220 from cartridge 100.

As depicted in FIGS. 28-35, a baffle 150 is disposed to be secured tocurved vertical separator 120 and acts as a mechanism for improveddirection and flow of wastewater fluids through the cartridge in aregion from inlet compartment 122 to outlet compartment 124. The bafflecomprises a curved base 152 from which a center wall 154 and side walls156 a and 156 b upwardly extend. Wall 154, which terminates in a groove158, has the same curvature as that of curved vertical separator 120 sothat groove 158 will mate with and fit securely within verticalseparator end 121 b, such as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 17. Walls 156 aand 156 b are curved similarly as or otherwise contoured in conformancewith the inner wall of tubular wall 106, and the top and bottom wallsmay be accordingly shaped differently than as shown and as dictated aswall 106. Further, the dimension of baffle 150 between walls 156 a and156 b is sized to form a snug, fluid-tight fit of the baffle withintubular wall 106, also as shown in FIG. 17. Therefore, fluids withininlet compartment 122 are forced to flow onto the surface of curved base152.

With respect to the curvature of base 152, which acts as a weir, thebase is carefully configured to effect several desired results. Thecurved base has a lowermost segment 160, which is slightly lower at itscenter part or point 160 a than at its adjacent side parts or points 160b. Base 152 curves generally at 900 from generally upstanding wall 154,and all parts 160 a and 160 b rise to an undulated termination orterminal edge 162. Termination 162 has a center part 162 a which isslightly elevated from its neighboring side parts 162 b. This curvedconfiguration of the baffle directs fluid 103 to flow in the directionsgenerally portrayed by arrow-headed lines 164, that is, from center part160 a to side parts 162 b and thence under the baffle, between itsunderside 166 and the upper surface of bottom portion pan 126. Thefluids then exit into outlet compartment 124 as portrayed generally byarrow-headed lines 168. The directed flow paths, as represented byarrow-headed lines 164 and 168 provide a constriction that increases theflow velocity and avoids the resistance of flow due to deposits onbottom portion 104 generally within the region from inlet compartment122 to outlet compartment 124. The increased velocity thus effectschannel of least resistance through any solid matter deposited in theregion between the inlet and outlet compartment and at least minimizesany deposit of such solid matter. The above-described components orparts of baffle 150 may be defined as channeling media.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36-43, and to a urine diverter whose twoillustrative embodiments are shown as diverters 170 and 270. For thefirst embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39, a pretreatment control tablet 172is held within a tablet retainer mechanism 174 for holding the tabletwithin the diverter. Diverter 170, as generally depicted in FIG. 36, ispositionable atop wall 110 of top portion 102 for protectively coveringentry opening 114 (e.g., see also FIG. 5) and for providing a circuitouspath for flow of urine to the opening. Therefore, urine is preventedfrom directly contacting and entering into opening 114 and impingingupon sealant 105 within the cartridge. Diverter 170, which includes ashell 176, is slightly spaced from top portion top wall 110 to assure aclear path for flow of the urine and to space retainer 174 and tablet172 from the top wall. Such spacing is effected by use of a standoff 178(as best shown in FIG. 38), which depends from shell 176 and comprises alarge portion 178 a and a smaller portion 178 b. Portion 178 b is madeto be as small as possible to permit the smallest contact of thediverter with the top wall and, therefore, to provide the largestpossible unobstructed flow path.

As depicted also in FIGS. 37 and 39, shell 176 comprises an uppersurface 180, terminated by a periphery 182 with a downwardly dependingflange 184. Upper surface 180 slopes downwardly towards periphery 182 toencourage flow of urine towards the periphery. Inwardly-facing bumps 186are formed on large portion 178 of standoffs 178 for holding tabletretainer 174 to the inside of shell 176.

A tubular housing 188 preferably of cylindrical configuration is securedat one end to the center of the under surface of shell 176 andterminates in a latching mechanism 190 at its second end 192 which has abi-level shape. The second end is also formed with cutaway portions 194,as configured by the shape of bi-level end 192, into legs 196 to permita bending of the latching mechanism. Latching mechanism 190 comprisespairs of facing teeth 198 at the ends of legs 196 which are adapted tolatch into arced slots 114 a, 114 b and 114 c of top wall 110 forsecuring diverter 170 to top portion 102.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36-43, and to a urine diverter whose twoillustrative embodiments are shown as diverters 170 and 270. For thefirst embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39, a pretreatment control tablet 172is held within a tablet retainer mechanism 174 for holding the tabletwithin the diverter. Diverter 170, as generally depicted in FIG. 36, ispositionable atop wall 110 of top portion 102 for protectively coveringentry opening 114 (e.g., see also FIG. 5) and for providing a circuitouspath for flow of urine to the opening. Therefore, urine is preventedfrom directly contacting and entering into opening 114 and impingingupon sealant 105 within the cartridge. Diverter 170, which includes ashell 176, is slightly spaced from top portion top wall 110 to assure aclear path for flow of the urine and to space retainer 174 and tablet172 from the top wall. Such spacing is effected by use of a standoff 178(as best shown in FIG. 38), which depends from shell 176 and comprises alarge portion 178 a and a smaller portion 178 b. Portion 178 b is madeto be as small as possible to permit the smallest contact of thediverter with the top wall and, therefore, to provide the largestpossible unobstructed flow path.

As depicted also in FIGS. 37 and 39, shell 176 comprises an uppersurface 180, terminated by a periphery 182 with a downwardly dependingflange 184. Upper surface 180 slopes downwardly towards periphery 182 toencourage flow of urine towards the periphery. Inwardly-facing bumps 186are formed on large portion 178 of standoffs 178 for holding tabletretainer 174 to the inside of shell 176.

A tubular housing 188 preferably of cylindrical configuration is securedat one end to the center of the under surface of shell 176 andterminates in a latching mechanism 190 at its second end 192 which has abi-level shape. The second end is also formed with cutaway portions 194,as configured by the shape of bi-level end 192, into legs 196 to permita bending of the latching mechanism. Latching mechanism 190 comprisespairs of facing teeth 198 at the ends of legs 196 which are adapted tolatch into arced slots 114 a, 114 b and 114 c of top wall 110 forsecuring diverter 170 to top portion 102.

Tablet retainer 174 is more fully disclosed in provisional applicationNo. 60/535,463 and its non-provisional application Ser. No. ______,filed on ______ (the same date as this application) whose contents areincorporated herein as if set forth in haec verba.

A pair of post-treatment discharge control sticks 224 or pellets aredisposed to be placed within tubular chambers 138 and may include abiocide and cleaning agents held in a time-release binder. Its use isprimarily as a descaling agent to help maintain a clean drain pipe, andespecially in environments where the cartridge use pattern is such thatadditional descaling is needed. The post-treatment discharge controlsticks or pellets may be used alone or in conjunction with pretreatmentcontrol tablet 172. Like tablet retainer 174, the post-treatmentdischarge control stick or pellets is more fully disclosed inprovisional application No. 60/535,463 and its non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. ______, filed on ______ (the same date as thisapplication) whose contents are incorporated herein as if set forth inhaec verba.

The second embodiment of the diverter, diverter 270, is shown in FIGS.40-43. This diverter is positionable atop wall 110 of top portion 102protectively covers entry opening 114 (e.g., see also FIG. 5) in amanner similar to that shown for diverter 170 in FIG. 36, and provides acircuitous path for flow of urine to the opening. Therefore, urine isprevented from directly contacting and entering into opening 214 andimpinging upon and agitating sealant 105 within the cartridge. Inaddition, a pretreatment control tablet may be held within a tabletretainer for holding the tablet within the diverter, again as describedabove. Diverter 270, as generally depicted in FIG. 36. Diverter 270,which includes a shell 276, is slightly spaced from top portion top wall110 to assure a clear path for flow of the urine and to space theretainer and its retained tablet from the top wall. Such spacing iseffected by use of a standoff 278 (as best shown in FIG. 43), whichdepends from shell 276 and comprises a large portion 278 a and a smallerportion 278 b. Portion 278 b is made to be as small as possible topermit the smallest contact of the diverter with the top wall and,therefore, to provide the largest possible unobstructed flow path.

As depicted also in FIGS. 37 and 39, shell 276 comprises an uppersurface 280, terminated by a periphery 282 with a downwardly dependingflange 284. Upper surface 280 slopes downwardly towards periphery 282 toencourage flow of urine towards the periphery. Inwardly-facing bumps286, which are more elongated that previously described bumps 186, areformed on large portion 278 of standoffs 278, as well as on other innerparts of flange 284, for holding the tablet retainer, such as previouslydescribed retainer 174, to the inside of shell 276.

A base 288, preferably of cylindrical configuration, is secured at oneend to the center of the under surface of shell 276 and terminates in afastener 290 at its second end 292. The fastener is formed as a post 296terminating in a beveled end 298. Fastener 290 is sized to form aninterference fit within hole 115 of top wall 110 for securing diverter270 to top portion 102.

When all the above-described components are assembled together, theyform cartridge 100 as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 36. Thisassembled cartridge is then adapted to be placed within a waterless iscoupled to drain 220 with exit port area 136 as provided through theorienting mechanism of keys 116. An 0-ring seal is placed within recess117 in the periphery of top wall 110.

While separator 120, baffle 150 and other components are described asproviding a preferred cooperative arrangement, it is to be understoodthat these individual components may be employed separately should theuser so choose.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described with respect toparticular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that variouschanges and modifications may be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A urine cartridge comprising: an inlet compartment for receipt ofurine; an outlet compartment for transfer of the urine from said inletcompartment to an external drain; and a separator separating saidcompartments into substantially equal volumes for enabling the pressuresin said compartments to be substantially equal.
 2. A urine cartridgeaccording to claim 1 in which said separator comprises anarcuately-shaped wall.
 3. A urine cartridge according to claim 1 furtherincluding top and bottom walls in which said top wall has an openingtherein and is disposed to receive and to permit the urine to pass intosaid inlet compartment, and wherein said separator comprises a bowedwall which has a fluid-tight fitting to said top wall sufficient toprevent direct fluid communication between said opening and said outletcompartment and which is spaced from said bottom wall to permit fluidcommunication between said inlet and outlet compartments.
 4. A urinecartridge according to claim 3 wherein said bowed wall has top andbottom termini which respectively are secured to said cartridge top wallto form said fluid-tight fitting and are spaced from said cartridgebottom wall to provide fluid communication between said inlet and outletcompartments, and further including a baffle which is secured to saidbottom terminus of said bowed wall and which is configured to direct theurine from said inlet compartment to said outlet compartment and in sucha manner as to minimize the impediment to flow from any deposits on saidbottom wall.
 5. A urine cartridge according to claim 4 further includinga connecting wall connecting said top and bottom walls and in which saidbaffle comprises: a curved base having an underside side walls coupledto and extending upwardly from said curved base and contacting saidcartridge connecting wall in fluid-tight fittings therewith; and acenter wall coupled to said sides walls and to said curved base andhaving the same shape as that of said bowed wall to mate with and fitsecurely to said bowed wall separator bottom terminus.
 6. A urinecartridge according to claim 5 wherein, to provide a curved baffleconfiguration: said curved base includes a center part and side partsadjacent thereto, in which a segment of said center part is lower thansaid side parts; and said center and side parts rise to an undulatedtermination which is located opposite said center wall and which has acenter part and side parts neighboring thereto and elevated therefromits neighboring side parts 162 b, whereby the curved configuration ofthe baffle directs the urine to flow in directed flow paths generallyfrom said center part to said side parts and thence under said baffle,between said curved base underside and said bottom wall of said pan, forexiting the urine into said outlet compartment whereby further thedirected flow paths provide a constriction that increases the flowvelocity of the urine and avoids the build up of deposits on said bottomwall of said bottom portion.
 7. A urine cartridge according to claim 1further including a mechanism between said inlet and outlet compartmentsfor effecting a channel of least resistance through any solid matterdeposited therebetween.
 8. A urine cartridge according to claim 7wherein said mechanism comprises a baffle secured to said separator, andincludes: a curved base having an underside; side walls coupled to andextending upwardly from said curved base; and a center wall coupled tosaid sides walls and to said curved base and having the same shape asthat of said separator to mate with and fit securely thereto.
 9. A urinecartridge according to claim 8 wherein, to provide a curved baffleconfiguration: said curved base includes a center part and side partsadjacent thereto, in which a segment of said center part is lower thansaid side parts; and said center and side parts rise to an undulatedtermination which is located opposite said center wall and which has acenter part and side parts neighboring thereto and elevated therefromits neighboring side parts 162 b, whereby the curved configuration ofthe baffle directs the urine to flow in directed flow paths generallyfrom said center part to said side parts and thence under said baffle,between said curved base underside and said bottom wall of said pan, forexiting the urine into said outlet compartment whereby further thedirected flow paths provide a constriction that increases the flowvelocity of the urine and avoids the build up of deposits on said bottomwall of said bottom portion.
 10. A urine cartridge according to claim 1further comprising: a top wall in which said top wall has an openingtherein and is disposed to receive and to permit the urine to pass intosaid inlet compartment; and a diverter for avoiding direct access of theurine to the opening; a shell placeable on the upper wall of thecartridge and over the opening therein; and a spacer spacing said shellfrom the top wall to permit urine to flow into the top wall opening ofthe cartridge.
 11. A diverter according to claim 10 in which said shellincludes an essentially fluid-obstructing upper surface bounded by aperiphery which is spaced from the upper wall of the cartridge by saidspacer, whereby said essentially fluid-obstructing upper surface isconfigured to direct the urine towards said periphery and thence ontothe cartridge upper wall for entry into the upper wall opening.
 12. Adiverter according to claim 11 in which said shell includes a latchingmechanism engageable with said cartridge upperwall opening for securingsaid diverter to the cartridge.
 13. A urine cartridge comprising: aninlet compartment for receipt of urine; an outlet compartment fortransfer of the urine from said inlet compartment to an external drain;and a mechanism between said inlet and outlet compartments for effectinga channel of least resistance through any solid matter depositedtherebetween.
 14. A urine cartridge according to claim 13 in which saidmechanism comprises a baffle secured to said separator, and includes: acurved base having an underside; side walls coupled to and extendingupwardly from said curved base; and a center wall coupled to said sideswalls and to said curved base and having the same shape as that of saidseparator to mate with and fit securely thereto.
 15. A urine cartridgeaccording to claim 14 wherein, to provide a curved baffle configuration:said curved base includes a center part and side parts adjacent thereto,in which a segment of said center part is lower than said side parts;and said center and side parts rise to an undulated termination which islocated opposite said center wall and which has a center part and sideparts neighboring thereto and elevated therefrom its neighboring sideparts, whereby the curved configuration of the baffle directs the urineto flow in directed flow paths generally from said center part to saidside parts and thence under said baffle, between said curved baseunderside and said bottom wall of said pan, for exiting the urine intosaid outlet compartment whereby further the directed flow paths providea constriction that increases the flow velocity of the urine and avoidsthe build up of deposits on said bottom wall of said bottom portion. 16.A urine cartridge according to claim 15 further including top and bottomwalls in which said top wall has an opening therein and is disposed toreceive and to permit the urine to pass into said inlet compartment, andwherein said separator comprises a bowed wall which has a fluid-tightfitting to said top wall sufficient to prevent direct fluidcommunication between said opening and said outlet compartment and whichis spaced from said bottom wall to permit fluid communication betweensaid inlet and outlet compartments.
 17. A urine cartridge according toclaim 16 wherein: said bowed wall has top and bottom termini whichrespectively are secured to said cartridge top wall to form saidfluid-tight fitting and are spaced from said cartridge bottom wall toprovide fluid communication between said inlet and outlet compartments;and said bottom terminus is secured to said baffle.
 18. A urinecartridge according to claim 13 further comprising: a top wall in whichsaid top wall has an opening therein and is disposed to receive and topermit the urine to pass into said inlet compartment; and a diverter foravoiding direct access of the urine to the opening; a shell placeable onthe upper wall of the cartridge and over the opening therein; and aspacer spacing said shell from the top wall to permit urine to flow intothe top wall opening of the cartridge.
 19. A diverter according to claim18 in which said shell includes an essentially fluid-obstructing uppersurface bounded by a periphery which is spaced from the upper wall ofthe cartridge by said spacer, whereby said essentially fluid-obstructingupper surface is configured to direct the urine towards said peripheryand thence onto the cartridge upper wall for entry into the upper wallopening.
 20. A diverter according to claim 19 in which said shellincludes a latching mechanism engageable with said cartridge upperwallopening for securing said diverter to the cartridge.
 21. A cartridge forhandling wastewater comprising: an inlet compartment for receipt ofwastewater; an outlet compartment for transfer of the wastewater fromsaid inlet compartment to an external drain; and a baffle between saidinlet and outlet compartments having lower and upper points fordirecting the wastewater in an upwardly manner towards said outletcompartment.
 22. A cartridge according to claim 21 in which said baffleincludes a terminal edge having a center part and neighboring said partsin which said center part is slightly elevated from said neighboringside parts to direct flow of the wastewater from said center part tosaid side parts and thence under said baffle for exiting into saidoutlet compartment.
 23. A cartridge according to claim 22 wherein saidbaffle includes an underside and said cartridge includes a bottomportion pan having an upper surface positioned below said baffle to forma constriction defined by said baffle constituent parts, between saidbaffle underside and said upper surface of bottom portion pan.
 24. Acartridge according to claim 23 in which said constriction increases theflow velocity of the wastewater and avoids the build up of deposits onsaid bottom portion pan and generally within the region from said inletcompartment to said outlet compartment, whereby the increased velocityeffects a channel of least resistance through any solid matter depositedin said inlet to outlet compartment region.
 25. A cartridge for handlingwastewater comprising: an inlet compartment for receipt of wastewater;an outlet compartment for transfer of the wastewater from said inletcompartment to an external drain; and a mechanism between said inlet andoutlet compartments having media for directing the wastewater inmultiple paths towards said outlet compartments and for at leasteffecting a channel of least resistance between said inlet and outletcompartments.
 26. A cartridge according to claim 25 wherein said baffleincludes an underside and said cartridge further includes a bottomportion having an upper surface positioned below said baffle to form aconstriction defined by said baffle underside and said upper surface ofbottom portion, in which said constriction is shaped to increase theflow velocity of the wastewater and avoids the build up of deposits onsaid bottom portion pan and generally within the region from said inletcompartment to said outlet compartment, whereby the increased velocityeffects a channel of least resistance through any solid matter depositedin said inlet to outlet compartment region.
 27. In a cartridge having aninlet compartment for receipt of fluids including urine and an outletcompartment for transfer of the fluids from the inlet compartment to anexternal drain, a method for improving the life of the urine cartridgecomprising the step of: channeling a path through any solid matterdeposited in a region between the inlet and outlet compartments.
 28. Themethod according to claim 25 in which said channel step comprises thestep of vigorously flowing the fluids through the region.
 29. The methodaccording to claim 26 in which said vigorously flowing step comprisesthe step of effecting a constriction in the region that increases theflow velocity of the fluid therethrough.
 30. The method according toclaim 27 in which said constriction effecting step comprises the step ofconstricting the fluid flow path.
 31. The method according to claim 25in which said channeling step comprises the steps of: configuring abaffle with a curved base having a center part and side parts adjacentthereto, including locating a segment of the center part lower than theside parts; elevating the center and side parts to an undulatedtermination which is located opposite the center wall; and configuringthe termination with a center part and side parts neighboring the centerpart so that the center part is elevated from its neighboring sideparts, whereby the urine is directed to flow in directed flow pathsgenerally from the center part to the side parts and thence under thebaffle, between the curved base underside and the bottom wall of thepan, for exiting the urine into the outlet compartment whereby furtherthe directed flow paths provide a constriction that increases the flowvelocity of the urine and avoids the build up of deposits on the bottomwall of the bottom portion.
 32. The method according to claim 25 furthercomprising the step of providing substantially equal volumes in theinlet and outlet compartments for enabling the pressures between thecompartments to be substantially equal.
 33. The method according toclaim 25 further comprising the step of substantially equalizing thepressures between the compartments.
 34. The method according to claim 26wherein said pressure equalizing step comprises the step of providingsubstantially equal volumes in the compartments.
 35. In a cartridgehaving an inlet compartment for receipt of fluids including urine and anoutlet compartment for transfer of the fluids from the inlet compartmentto an external drain, a method for improving the life of the urinecartridge comprising the step of providing substantially equal volumesin the inlet and outlet compartments for enabling the pressures betweenthe compartments to be substantially equal.
 36. In a cartridge having aninlet compartment for receipt of fluids including urine and an outletcompartment for transfer of the fluids from the inlet compartment to anexternal drain, a method for improving the life of the urine cartridgecomprising the step of substantially equalizing the pressures betweenthe compartments.
 37. The method according to claim 34 wherein saidpressure equalizing step comprises the step of providing substantiallyequal volumes in the compartments.
 38. The method according to claim 34further comprising the steps of: providing channels through any solidmatter deposited in a region between the inlet and outlet compartments.39. The method according to claim 36 in which said channeling stepcomprises the step of vigorously flowing the fluids through the region.40. The method according to claim 37 in which said vigorously flowingstep comprises the step of effecting a constriction in the region thatincreases the flow velocity of the fluid therethrough.
 41. The methodaccording to claim 38 in which said constriction effecting stepcomprises the step of constricting the fluid flow path.